Planning your perfect trip

Western Fjords

The great Norwegian fjords are located to the south-west of the country between the cities Stavanger, Bergen and Ålesund.This is a large area that covers four counties and nearly 60,000 square kilometers.For each fjord you will find similar points of interest such as beautiful landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, picturesque villages, viewpoints, scenic hikes, scenic roads and mountain areas. It is not really necessary to visit all the fjords.If time is limited, choose your fjord.

The Sognefjord is over 200 km in length. At the seaside 200 km inland is truly something unique, but being the biggest does not mean the most spectacular. The most dramatic scenery you will find in the branches of the main fjord like the Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Fjærlandsfjord and the Lustrafjord. The main fjords are the Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, Nordfjord, the Geirangerfjord.The Sognefjord is the largest, the broadest, the deepest.The most famous and most visited are the Nærøyfjord (a branch of the Sognefjord) and the Geirangerfjord.Both are on the Unesco World Heritage list.The Sognefjord area is accessible all year from Oslo and Bergen, even using public transport and in Flåm/Aurland you will find accommodation that is open all year.

Bear in mind that some of the most spectacular fjords are also the most popular and there can be a lot of tourists in season, especially when the large cruise ships are visiting. If you are willing to travel a little bit off the beaten path you can have the peaceful fjord area almost to yourself. Many seem to think that you will have to be on the water to enjoy the fjords. This is of course not the case, but a ferry ride on the fjord will allow you to enjoy the landscape from a different perspective.

It is a coordinated but semi-flexible travel pass and a self-guided tour on mostly public transport. The tour includes train travel, a ferry trip on the Nærøyfjord and a one hour coach tour. Flexible means that you can do the tour over as many days as you wish, do stopovers en route and do add-ons for an even more exciting trip.

Failing to do research, many travelers expect that the NiN is a guided tour and consequently there is disappointment. On peak days in high season be prepared for the fact that it can be busy as this is a very popular tour for those with no car and very little time on their hands. Highlights are the Flåm Railway, the ferry on the Nærøyfjord and the bus via Stalheim to Voss. And of course the Bergen Railway for those coming from or going to Oslo.

Flåm an early June morning

Starting points

There are many variations on the trip. You can do a one way from Oslo to Bergen or vice versa, a return day trip from Bergen, Voss or Flåm. One way from Oslo to Bergen or the other way around includes the Bergen railway and separate luggage transport is available at additional cost. It is even possible to do a single day round trip from Oslo via Voss or via Bergen, with a return on the overnight train. The latter is available every day except Saturdays and certain public holidays.

Luggage

There are quite a few changes on this trip and many worry about luggage. Both the trains, the bus and the ferry have plenty of luggage room, but there is no assistance. As long as you can carry your own luggage, you will do fine. Between Oslo and Bergen luggage transport is available to/from hotels with Porterservice

Connection times

Many worry needlessly about short connection times. Connections are meant to be short to avoid passengers waiting around forever in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes the weather is not all that perfect and then it is a blessing to just go from the ferry directly to the waiting bus. The bus from Gudvangen to Voss will be waiting at the Gudvangen dock and leaves immediately after the ferry arrival. Except for the long distance trains arriving from Oslo, the trains from Voss to Bergen are fairly frequent commuter trains with no reservation needed.

Seasons

The main season is between June and August with a shoulder season in May and September. The NiN runs all year, but the services off season are limited with only one ferry in each direction between Flåm and Gudvangen. In winter when daylight hours are limited, you need to plan well to get the highlights within the limited daylight hours.

You can save by booking discounted tickets on the long distance trains like Oslo to Myrdal or Myrdal to Oslo, but in peak season you will have to be flexible with departures and is mostly relevant outside the peak season. Minipris train tickets go on sale 3 months prior to departure and are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Tickets are sold on the first come first serve basis and it is essential to book well in advance for the best prices. The Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm and trains from Voss to Bergen are local trains and cannot be bought in advance, but you can buy a through ticket Oslo-Flåm or Flåm-Oslo on the NSB site. Long distance trains have seat reservations. Tickets for local trains are available at ticket windows in major stations, at vending machines and through applications for smart phones and tablets. Seniors over 67, students with valid student cards and children are eligible for discounts on trains and buses. On the ferry between Flåm and Gudvangen you make your reservation on the Visit Flåm site or from the tourist office in Flåm. You need a prepaid ticket to travel on this ferry. There is a bus departure from Gudvangen to Voss after certain ferry arrivals, check carefully for timings at Skyss as you would not want to be stranded for too long in Gudvangen. Enter Gudvangen Kai and Voss Stasjon in the travel planner. The bus from Gudvangen to Voss costs approximately NOK 114 and cash is needed. For more info on rail tickets, prices and discounts, please visit the NSB site